Demolition derby cancelled; 4-H sales begin WATCH THE VIDEO

Rain showers and cold temperatures have put a literal damper on the 2011 Highland County Fair, but organizers say that 4-H activities have been largely unaffected by rain. 

Highland County Fair Board President Dave Stratton said that the demolition derby had to be cancelled, along with some tractor pull competitions due to rain and mud Wednesday. 

General admission attendance was down midweek by approximately by approximately 3,500 people, compared to last year. 

"It's wet," Stratton said. "We've had everything but snow. But I probably shouldn't say that, because the week isn't over yet. I'd sure like to see the sun for three or four days. We had to cancel the demolition derby, and won't be able to rescheduled because there are other events scheduled in the arena. As for the tractor pulls, we'll just have to go day-by-day."

Because most 4-H events are held in barns and covered arenas, Stratton said that the junior fair activities have been able to proceed, mostly, as scheduled.

"We had to move the horse show from the main arena to the practice arena because it has better drainage and less mud," Stratton said. "The biggest thing that it has affected has been the tractor pulls and the rides. They can't run the rides when it's wet and slippery, and we have to put peoples' safety first."

Stratton said that everyone has been working hard to make sure that the fair continues to be a sucess for the youth of Highland County who work all year in preparation for this week, and the families who look forward to the event. 

"It really takes the whole county to put this fair on," Stratton said.